Sunny SF-RW5801 vs YOSUDA Magnetic Rower
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Both are quiet, folding magnetic rowers with 16 resistance levels at about $200. Garage Gym Reviews tested the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801 and recommends it as a starter rower: it is quiet and stable, folds, and weighs under 50 lb, but its 43 in rail is short for taller people and its plastic-heavy build scored 3 of 5 for durability. The YOSUDA lists a higher 350 lb weight limit and costs a little less, but we found no independent test of it, so everything below about it is the seller's claim. Pick the Sunny if you want the one with a test behind it and you're under about 5 ft 9 in. Check the YOSUDA's listing closely first.
Sunny SF-RW5801
YOSUDA Magnetic Rower
Side by side
| Spec | Sunny SF-RW5801 | YOSUDA Magnetic Rower |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance [1][2][3] | 16 magnetic levels | 16 magnetic levels, per the seller |
| Weight capacity [1][3] | 285 lb | 350 lb, per the seller |
| Slide rail [2][3] | 43 in; a full-size rail is 50 to 56 in | Not stated; the seller says it suits users 4 ft 5 in to 5 ft 11 in |
| Size and weight [1][2][3] | About 45 to 50 lb; folds and stores vertically | 59 x 19 x 25 in, per the seller |
| Monitor and tech [1][2][3] | Small LCD, device holder, no programming (scored 1 of 5) | Electronic watch display and Bluetooth app, per the seller |
| Durability [1][3] | 3 of 5: steel rail but a lot of plastic; no wobble at strong effort | Not tested; the seller cites PU rollers |
| Assembly [1][3] | 30 to 40 minutes | About 25 minutes, per the seller |
| Seat [2][3] | Wide and padded, but low to the ground | Seller cites a comfortable seat |
| Warranty [1][3] | 3 years on the frame, 180 days on parts | 1 year, per the seller |
| Price [1][3] | About $200 to $210 | $189.99 on Amazon when checked |
| Independent test [1][2][3] | Garage Gym Reviews | None found |
Sunny SF-RW5801
- Garage Gym Reviews' pick for a magnetic rower under $300
- Quiet, stable and easy to assemble
- Under 50 lb and folds for small spaces
- 43 in rail is short for taller rowers
- Plastic-heavy build scored 3 of 5 for durability
- No workout programming
YOSUDA Magnetic Rower
- 350 lb weight limit, per the seller
- A little cheaper
- Large owner review base on Amazon
- No independent test found
- Seller says it suits users up to 5 ft 11 in
- Shorter 1-year warranty
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want to try rowing for around $200 | Sunny SF-RW5801 | GGR's budget pick, with a 3-year frame warranty |
| Taller than about 5 ft 9 in | YOSUDA Magnetic Rower | The Sunny's 43 in rail is short; check the YOSUDA's rail length first |
| Heavier user | YOSUDA Magnetic Rower | 350 lb listed limit vs 285 lb, but verify it |
| Care about a longer warranty | Sunny SF-RW5801 | 3 years on the frame |
| Want an app | YOSUDA Magnetic Rower | Seller lists a Bluetooth app |
What to look for
Rail length
Why it matters: A short rail stops taller rowers from fully extending their legs.
How to check: Compare your height to the rail and the maker's height range.
Watch out: Garage Gym Reviews says a full-size rail is 50 to 56 in, and the Sunny's is 43 in. It says people 5 ft 9 in and up may not reach full leg extension.
Weight limit
Why it matters: Heavier users need a higher rating for stability.
How to check: Compare your weight to 285 lb and 350 lb.
Watch out: GGR says it is surprised a 45 lb Sunny supports 285 lb. The 350 lb YOSUDA figure is the seller's.
Build
Why it matters: Plastic parts wear and can crack.
How to check: Look for steel rails and metal frame parts.
Watch out: GGR scored the Sunny 3 of 5 for durability because of its plastic parts.
Programming
Why it matters: Without built-in classes you follow your own workout or a phone.
How to check: Decide if you want guided workouts.
Watch out: GGR gave the Sunny 1 of 5 for tech but notes the device holder lets you stream workouts.
Space
Why it matters: Foldable rowers are smaller to store but still need floor room to row.
How to check: Measure the storage spot and the rowing space.
Watch out: GGR gave the Sunny 4.25 of 5 for footprint and portability.
Traps and timing
- Sunny sells several rowers, including the SF-RW5515 and SF-RW5622. This page uses Garage Gym Reviews' notes on the SF-RW5801, so check the model number on the listing.
- We found no independent test of this YOSUDA rower. YOSUDA's other rower, the FRM1 air-magnetic model, was tested by Garage Gym Reviews, which is a different machine.
- Garage Gym Reviews' prices come from different dates, so check the live Amazon price for both.
- The seller says the YOSUDA suits users 4 ft 5 in to 5 ft 11 in.
- Rowers are not all full-size. A budget rower with a short rail may not suit a tall user.
Before you check out
- Check your height against the rail length.
- Check your weight against the weight limit.
- Decide if you want an app or just a device holder.
- Confirm the model number on the listing.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test rowing machines in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Is the Sunny SF-RW5801 good for beginners?
Garage Gym Reviews calls it a good starter rower and an extreme budget option it feels comfortable recommending.
Which rower is better for tall people?
Neither is clearly ideal. GGR says the Sunny's 43 in rail may be too short at 5 ft 9 in and up, and the YOSUDA's seller says it suits users up to 5 ft 11 in.
How many resistance levels do they have?
Both list 16 magnetic levels.
Has the YOSUDA been independently tested?
We didn't find an independent test of this model.
Do they fold?
The Sunny folds and stores vertically, per GGR. The YOSUDA's seller lists compact dimensions.
Sources
- Best Magnetic Rowing Machine (2026), Garage Gym Reviews
- Best Budget Rowing Machine (2026), Garage Gym Reviews
- YOSUDA Rowing Machine for Home, Magnetic Rower with 16 Resistance Levels, Amazon listing (seller claims)